CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING BRINGS MESSAGE OF HOPE TO HARLEM

Harlem, New York — A top Harlem crowd-pleaser for this Christmas was the lighting of a string of Christmas trees along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 110th to 152nd Street. A crowd of local children from schools and shelters in Harlem gathered around the trees as the lights were turned on, and sang Christmas carols.

Assemblyman Keith Wright (in the Santa hat) joins in the singing after the Christmas tree lighting.

Community leaders and officials in attendance to support this special holiday message were Inez Dickens (representing Congressman Charles Rangel), David Johnson for State Senator David Patterson, Councilman Bill Perkins, Councilman David Johnson, and Commissioner Bill Castro from NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

The message, one of hope for the community and the world at large, was repeated over and over again at each site. Reverend Willie Frink, of the Church of Scientology Harlem, said “This is the season for hope and action, especially religious people must make a point of doing something effective to help, because as we demonstrate in our Scientology Volunteer Minister program, no matter how bad the situation, something can be done about it.”

The lighting is an annual presentation of the Friends of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Malls in collaboration with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

Marie Littlejohn, the President of The Friends of ACJ Jr. Malls reiterated Rev. Frink’s message that this will help bring large dividends to the local community. “Our hope is in the resurgence of Harlem,” she said.